Financial reality

"$30 doesn't go that far at Dick's Sporting Goods", said Grafton, after trying to spend a birthday gift certificate there today.

Eight year old can put in his own batteries

Mom was trying to help Grafton install batteries into his bedtime reading light on his birthday when he declared that, "Mom, I'm 8 years old! I can put in my own batteries!"

Another Tooth Gone

Grafton's second front tooth feel it today. Not unexpected after Grafton showed us a bloody sink after brushing his teeth last night.

All 4 front teeth are now out.

"History of Baseball"

Grafton has been very excited about his school project where each student is writing their own book. He was even worried about missing the "publishing" step when he was taken out of school for his dentist appointment.

Dentist today

Grafton and I got good laugh from the sign he saw at the dentist office today: 

You don't have to brush all your teeth.

You only have to brush the ones you want to keep.

Final Days of Baseball

Grafton's last baseball practice was a parent-kids match-up (parents vs. kids). Grafton and I arrived a few minutes late, and his team was up to bat. He headed straight to home plate for an at bat, while I hustled on to the field to play outfield. Grafton had already hit the ball and was rounding the bases while I was taking the field. He was rounding second after the 2nd base throw missed its target. The ball was rolling straight for me, and I picked it up just in time to tag my son while he headed towards the third base. The uncanny timing of the play had everyone yell out in surprise and laughter, while Grafton walked off the field shaking his head.

Two outs later, the parents were up to bat. I was up third and soon took the plate for my at bat. On the first pitch I hit a pop-up fly to third base. Grafton was the third base man. The ball went right to him, and he called "I've got it!" and made the catch like a pro. He got me right back!

The next day was Grafton's last game of the season. They played one of the stronger teams they've faced all season, but did really well. Grafton had some great hits. He ended up being the last batter of the game, and his last hit was a line drive shot to the outfield. It was an easy double, but due to throwing/catching errors, he ran the bases and came home, arms in the air, celebrating his in-the-park home run. Nice end to the season!

Turning into a reader?

This morning Grafton says, "Dad, can you turn off the TV so I can read Jack & Annie?"

(Grafton started reading the book to himself last night after telling us he wanted to start reading chapter books on his own.)

Snap Whistle Play

Grafton has recently figured out how to snap. He also achieved a faint whistle last night, so that should be coming along soon as well.

His piano playing is coming along really nicely as well. Last night he played me his two pieces, and looked over at me to make sure I was listening. Of course, this means he was playing from his pieces from memory! They were short, but this is still the first time I've seen him play without any apparent effort.

Capitalist

Dad: "Grafton, come on! I don't want you to get pizza sauce on the wall of my house."

Grafton: "It's not your wall. It's the bank's!"

First Basketball Game

Grafton played his first competitive basketball game today at Mosier. It took a while for both teams to get the hang of playing a real basketball game, but I was impressed by everyone's skills by the end of the game. Similar to soccer, Grafton was very fast moving up and down the court and had high intensity when on defense. He got a few shots off, but no baskets yet. I think he'll do great as he continues to figure out the flow of the game. I definitely noticed that when he was playing poing guard that he could dribble the ball up the court with looking at the ball, and was able to keep an eye on his teammates.

By Ear

Grafton realized he could play some his piano songs by ear and he performed a couple for me this morning. I think this is great milestone in his musical career!